Two Congo brothers in ICE custody after alleged student visa violation; family and officials respond
According to authorities, Israel and Max Makoka were in the United States on student visas but were detained after officials determined they were not attending the school associated with their visa requirements. ICE says the teens were out of compliance with those conditions.The Piney Woods School, which is tied to the students’ placement, said it remains compliant with federal law and continues to serve international students.Gail Batistse, the boys’ host parent, described the moment agents arrived to take the teens into custody and the emotional impact it has had on her family.“So many cars came from everywhere. That’s what it started. My granddaughter came inside and said, ‘Nana, they got the boys,’” Batistse said.She added that the family believed they were following proper procedures. “We were told that our guardianship of the kids would cover them, so that’s what we believed. My heart is broken because to a degree, you feel like you missed a step… we would never intentionally hurt any kid, especially these boys.”Batistse also emphasized the character of the brothers. “Those ICE agents spoke to us about the integrity and respect, and how well spoken those boys are… The important thing now is to get these boys out of this situation. That’s all we want.”Immigration attorney Assma Ali of Ali & Associates Law Firm said cases like this often stem from misunderstandings about visa rules and compliance responsibilities.“Typically, you’re not notified. You are expected to know the process and file the proper paperwork,” Ali said. “I firmly believe it was a miscommunication and a misunderstanding on behalf of the host family.”The Makoka brothers were detained last Tuesday and remain in ICE custody as their immigration case proceeds.Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith also issued a statement, saying her office is working with the boys’ guardians and will continue monitoring the case while seeking a lawful resolution.For now, the brothers remain in federal custody as proceedings continue.
According to authorities, Israel and Max Makoka were in the United States on student visas but were detained after officials determined they were not attending the school associated with their visa requirements. ICE says the teens were out of compliance with those conditions.
The Piney Woods School, which is tied to the students’ placement, said it remains compliant with federal law and continues to serve international students.
Gail Batistse, the boys’ host parent, described the moment agents arrived to take the teens into custody and the emotional impact it has had on her family.
“So many cars came from everywhere. That’s what it started. My granddaughter came inside and said, ‘Nana, they got the boys,’” Batistse said.
She added that the family believed they were following proper procedures. “We were told that our guardianship of the kids would cover them, so that’s what we believed. My heart is broken because to a degree, you feel like you missed a step… we would never intentionally hurt any kid, especially these boys.”
Batistse also emphasized the character of the brothers. “Those ICE agents spoke to us about the integrity and respect, and how well spoken those boys are… The important thing now is to get these boys out of this situation. That’s all we want.”
Immigration attorney Assma Ali of Ali & Associates Law Firm said cases like this often stem from misunderstandings about visa rules and compliance responsibilities.
“Typically, you’re not notified. You are expected to know the process and file the proper paperwork,” Ali said. “I firmly believe it was a miscommunication and a misunderstanding on behalf of the host family.”
The Makoka brothers were detained last Tuesday and remain in ICE custody as their immigration case proceeds.
Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith also issued a statement, saying her office is working with the boys’ guardians and will continue monitoring the case while seeking a lawful resolution.
For now, the brothers remain in federal custody as proceedings continue.
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